What are your options?
The knee contains cartilage – or ‘meniscus’ – which acts very much like a shock absorber. Meniscal tears are one of the more common injuries of the knee and are often treated by a surgical procedure known as ‘arthroscopy’. However, there are now serious doubts about the benefits of this procedure and some concern as to its effect on the health of the knee joint in the long-term.
A study conducted in 2016 investigated the difference in the effectiveness of a supervised exercise program compared to arthroscopy for meniscal tears in 140 Scandinavian adults. The study found that the supervised exercise program was more effective than arthroscopy at relieving knee pain. The study also showed that optimal functioning of the knee was dependent on the normal functioning and alignment of the hip and ankle joints.
For over 100 years, Osteopaths have considered the body as a wholistic, integrated unit. We understand the importance of restoring optimal postural alignment and identifying areas of abnormal compensation. This makes Osteopaths an important part of the healthcare system.
For painful knees, we assess the biomechanics of the foot, ankle, hip, pelvis and spine for compensatory patterns using a whole person approach to healthcare. As Osteopaths, we can use exercises like the ones used in the study for people with meniscal tears in their knees. At GC Osteopathy, we use these alongside working with our hands in order to help you with your knee pain.
